In today’s world, we are obsessed with the idea of becoming famous. We look at celebrities, influencers, and viral sensations, almost in awe of their lives and success. We crave the attention, the recognition, and the possibility of reaching the top. But here’s the truth: that pursuit is a waste of time.
Instead of chasing someone else’s version of success, why not focus on building your own? A brand centered around your ideas, your personality, your identity, and your belief system will always serve you better than the fleeting fame that comes with chasing viral moments.
It’s funny how the world works—one moment, everyone is looking at an established celebrity, admiring them for their achievements. Then, out of nowhere, a “nobody” blows up, and suddenly, we’re obsessed with this new figure. It’s fascinating how quickly we jump on a new bandwagon without understanding the full picture. Think about the music industry, or Hollywood. How many times have we seen a fresh, unknown talent suddenly rise to fame? Before their breakthrough, most people wouldn’t even think about them. But once they become a household name, we all rush to see what made them special.
I’ve been blessed to interview people who fit this mold—multimillionaires, film stars, CEOs, astronauts, and legends across many industries. And through these interviews, I’ve learned some valuable lessons I want to share with you.
1) These amazing people breathe the same air as you and me.
They’re human, just like you. They face challenges, they encounter setbacks, and they deal with the same complexities of life. They’re not invincible; they just made the decision to rise above their circumstances.
2) They started with a beginner mindset.
They weren’t born with all the answers. The multimillionaire CEO was once a college dropout. The famous actor was once an unknown struggling to land an audition. The astronaut was once a young person looking up at the stars, unsure if their dreams were achievable. They all had a beginning—a starting point where they had no guarantees of success, but they chose to go for it anyway.
3) They had a strong belief system.
Success is not just about talent. It’s about belief. These extraordinary people believed that they could make it, despite the odds. They didn’t let the failures discourage them—they let them teach them. They understood that failure is a pre-requisite for success. How you handle failure will determine whether you grow or give up.
If you’re in the process of pursuing something—whether it’s growing your business, launching a podcast, or starting a new career—remember this: growth is a decision. It’s a decision you make every single day, based on how you choose to see yourself in the world.
The Magic Behind Greatness
Every person who rises to the top of their industry—whether it’s a famous entrepreneur, a renowned artist, or a top athlete—has something special about them. It’s not just their talent, but their drive, their belief, and their unwavering commitment to their craft.
They have a “sauce,” a unique combination of qualities that sets them apart. They clearly know what they want to do, and they commit to it. They put in the hours, they work on their craft, and they learn from the best. Many have mentors, or they surround themselves with people who challenge them to grow and be better. They never stop learning, because they understand that staying still is never an option.
And that’s where most of us fail. We watch the experts, but we don’t take the time to become one ourselves. We’re too busy comparing ourselves to others, thinking that they have something we don’t. The truth is, they’ve been where you are right now, and their success came from their willingness to grow, learn, and keep going when times were tough.
So, How Do You Get There?
Here’s the thing—growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not about waiting for the viral moment, it’s about making a decision today to start building. It’s about setting a goal and then breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps. It’s about taking action now, not waiting until everything is “perfect.”
For example, if networking is something you struggle with, make a decision to improve. Watch a YouTube video on networking tips, attend a local business mixer, or simply ask a friend for advice. Once you have the tools, put them into practice. You don’t get better by just thinking about it—you get better by doing.
The same goes for building a brand. If you want to grow your YouTube channel or podcast, stop waiting for the “perfect” guest or the “perfect” episode. Take action—get your first interview, and then do it again, and again. Each step will bring you closer to your goal. After hitting 1,000 interviews, you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon (true story for I Am Refocused Radio).
Stop Comparing, Start Building
We often look at successful people and forget to consider their journey. We’re too focused on the destination, without understanding the hardships and storms they’ve weathered to get there. But here’s the secret: You can do it too.
Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop obsessing over someone else’s success story. Instead, own where you are and then deny the idea of staying there. Success comes from continuous action, and as long as you keep moving forward, you’re growing.
Let’s take this into 2025 with the mindset that if we don’t act, no one else will. Own your growth, embrace your identity, and take the necessary actions to build the life and career you desire.
The magic happens when you focus on the small, consistent actions that move you forward. Keep it simple—move, learn, reflect, and repeat. The world is full of opportunities, and it’s waiting for you to step into your greatness.
